Erik ten Hag has explained his plans for Wout Weghorst’s Manchester United debut after another attacking injury setback.
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, has confirmed a new injury setback ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace. And the Red Devils manager has revealed his plans for new signing Wout Weghorst, who is on loan from Burnley.
United travel to Selhurst Park looking for their tenth consecutive victory, riding the high of their 2-1 derby victory over Manchester City on Saturday. Anthony Martial was a doubt going into the game, but he started at Old Trafford before Ten Hag pulled him at halftime because he didn’t look 100 percent.
And the Dutchman has since confirmed that Martial wasn’t fully fit and was ‘complaining’ about an injury after the first half, leading to his withdrawal. “I hoped to avoid that he was getting injured, but he was complaining.” Ten Hag told reporters.”That’s why he also didn’t train in the week and was a question mark [for the derby].
“We decided – and he decided as well – to start. He begged to start. I knew the start would be so important in this game, and he is really good at pressing, and he is a really big element in our pressing.
“However, at halftime, I needed to re-evaluate. As you can see, he was unable to go 100 percent, which is exactly what you require. We also took him off to avoid him getting hurt, but it had a negative impact on our game after halftime.
Martial is a doubt for the Palace game, but Ten Hag has another option after signing Weghorst last week. Following Man City’s victory, he stated that he would consider giving the 30-year-old his United debut in south London.
“I have to think about that [Weghorst debut against Palace],” he said. First, we’ll calm down after this game, draw the appropriate conclusions, and then we’ll make a clear plan for Palace.
“Of course, I know a lot about Palace – we faced them also in pre-season and know how their team is – but the total plan I don’t have now. I didn’t build it until now.
“From here on out, we can build the plan and prepare the team properly.”
The Red Devils could make a few changes in midweek as they prepare for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
